The Influence of Nanoparticles of Biogenic Ferrihydrite on the Rooting of Lignified Cuttings of the Ledebour Willow

Abstract

The influence of nanoparticles of biogenic ferrihydrite on the root formation of lignified cuttings of the Ledebour willow (Salix ledebouriana Trautv.) was investigated. The rooting of stem cuttings was performed in water using a phytohormone (indoyl-3-acetic acid) and nanoparticles. In comparison with the variants of incubation of cuttings in water and in a solution containing indolyl-3-acetic acid, the number and total length of the adventitious roots after 5 and 15 days of rooting were greatest in the cuttings treated with nanoparticles. In the early period of root development, increased levels of free radicals and intensities of the hyperfine structure lines of Mn²⁺ cleavage were recorded in the EPR spectra of plant tissues (lenticels of cuttings of treated with nanoparticles). The latter is related to the activity of manganese-containing superoxide dismutase. The response of cuttings to the treatment with nanoparticles was recorded by EPR before manifestation of adventitious root primordium initiation and development.